Our work in Mali aims to strengthen agroecology, inclusive finance and food security for rural communities in a country that is among the most vulnerable in the Sahel. Humundi (formerly SOS Faim) is a charity that works alongside farmers’ organisations, local NGOs and rural finance institutions to support Malian farming families in achieving greater food self-sufficiency.
Our work in
The context in Mali
In the heart of the Sahel, hundreds of thousands of rural households rely on agriculture for their livelihoods in a context marked by multiple crises: political instability, armed conflict, economic pressures and environmental degradation. These factors have a direct impact on rural communities, which are particularly vulnerable.
According to the National Survey on Food and Nutritional Security (2020), 16 per cent of Malian households were food insecure. This situation is exacerbated by climate change, which could reduce the length of the agricultural season in semi-arid and arid areas by 20 to 25 per cent by 2050.
The paradox is striking: according to the World Bank, the agricultural sector (including livestock farming and fishing) employs around 80 per cent of the country’s working population, yet contributes just over 35 per cent of GDP. Lacking access to resources, training and services tailored to their needs, smallholder farmers struggle to secure decent living conditions.
Against this backdrop, development aid in Mali is needed more than ever to build sustainable and equitable agricultural alternatives.
Our work in Mali
Since 1987, our organisation, Humundi, has been supporting rural communities in Mali through an approach based on solidarity, partnership and sustainability. We operate mainly in the regions of Koulikoro, Kayes and Ségou, major agricultural areas severely affected by food insecurity. Through this integrated approach, Humundi helps to restore ecosystems, secure agricultural incomes and support rural communities towards greater self-reliance.
Structuring farmer supply chains
We support cooperatives and farmers’ organisations in structuring their supply chains, notably through networks of grain banks and by promoting the certification and marketing of ‘local organic’ agricultural products. In 2023, 8.4 tonnes of market garden produce and cereals were sold, demonstrating significant success and a growing demand for organic products in Mali.
Supporting inclusive finance in rural areas
We support microfinance institutions that offer local financial services (savings, credit, micro-insurance, remittances) tailored to and accessible by farming families – who are often excluded from traditional banks – to help them develop their farming activities. Over the past 40 years, more than 1.5 million people have received loans through our long-standing partner: the Kafo Jiginew cooperative.
Supporting youth employment in rural areas
With no prospects for the future in rural areas, young people are leaving for the city. By creating opportunities for sustainable employment and income, Humundi contributes to youth employment and the continuation of agricultural activities, whilst helping to stem the rural exodus. In 2025, more than 142 young people set up their own businesses to meet local needs, thanks to our support.
Promoting agroecology in the face of the Sahelian climate
We are strengthening agroecological farming practices to cope with the climatic challenges of the Sahel: crop diversification, sustainable soil and water management, and organic farming certification. These practices enhance the resilience of family farms in the face of droughts and increasingly erratic rainfall.
Strengthening links between research and the field
We also support partnerships between researchers and farmers, ensuring that the results of agricultural research genuinely meet the needs on the ground and are more effectively adopted by rural communities.
Working alongside
young rural entrepreneurs
Key figures
8
Partners
1
Microfinance institution
4
Farmers’ organisations
3
Local NOGs
96 103
Beneficiaries
> 1M €
Invested
Our partners in Mali
Humundi carries out projects alongside 8 local partners: Malian microfinance institutions and NGOs that meet the needs of rural communities by improving access to financial resources and promoting their empowerment.
| Our partners in Mali | What we do together |
|---|---|
| AMSD (Malian Association for Solidarity and Development) | Promoting organic and ecological agriculture through the participatory ‘local organic’ certification scheme. |
| CAEB (Council for Grassroots Support and Education) | Strengthening the self-management capacities of rural communities, notably through a network of grain banks. |
| CAECE – Jigisèmè (Network of Associative Credit Unions for Entrepreneurs and Traders (MFIs)) | Providing accessible and tailored financial services to farming communities. |
| CNOP (National Coordination of Farmers’ Organisations in Mali) | Bringing farmers’ organisations together to make Malian agriculture a driver of economic, social and cultural development. |
| CRU (Regional Commission of Users of Agricultural Research Results) | To create a framework for dialogue between producers and researchers to ensure better uptake of agricultural research results. |
| PNPR-Mali (National Platform of Rice Producers) | To bring together thousands of male and female rice producers and influence rice cultivation development policies at national level. |
| USCPCD (Union of Cereal Producers’ Co-operatives of Diédougou) | To organise the production and marketing of dry cereals and market garden produce through a network of co-operatives. |
| Coopérative Multifonctionnelle Yèrènyèton | To help households manage their agricultural production more effectively and ensure their food security. |
Your donations and support make a difference
Every day in Mali, thousands of women and men farmers are committed to building more resilient agriculture, capable of feeding their region despite unstable climatic and security conditions. With your support, they can go further: adopt agroecological practices suited to the Sahel, access rural finance solutions, and better cope with the crises that threaten their livelihoods.
Your donations and support for Mali fund training in agroecology and farm management. Your support helps promote the economic independence of women and young people, giving them the means to increase their incomes and secure their food supply.
Every donation, whether a one-off or regular contribution, helps to reduce rural poverty and build a more stable future for Malian farming families, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our projects on the ground.
Donate today to Mali to provide practical and long-term support to rural communities that are most vulnerable to the climate crisis and food insecurity.
FAQ – Donations and aid in Mali
Read more: MaliWhy does Humundi work in Mali?
Mali faces a combination of major challenges: armed conflict, rural poverty, food insecurity and climate change. Since 1987, Humundi has been working to strengthen the capacities of rural communities, support smallholder farming and sustainably improve food security. Your donations and support help every day to strengthen the resilience of Malian farming families in the face of crises.
Where does Humundi operate in Mali?
Our work is concentrated in the regions of Koulikoro, Kayes and Ségou, where agriculture is vital to the local economy but has been severely weakened by economic, climatic and social crises.
What are the objectives of Humundi’s work in Mali?
Our objectives are to strengthen farmers’ organisations and their services, promote agroecology to foster resilient farming practices, improve living conditions in rural areas and expand access to finance for farming families.
How is my donation used in practice?
Your donation funds training in agroecology, strengthens farmers’ organisations and microfinance institutions, and promotes the economic independence of women and young people in rural areas.
Who does Humundi work with in Mali?
We collaborate with local partners such as farmers’ organisations, local NGOs and a microfinance institution, on projects rooted in the realities on the ground.
Can I get involved in ways other than making a donation?
Yes. You can take part in a charity challenge, propose a corporate partnership, become a volunteer or ambassador for our work, or include Humundi in your will to ensure a lasting impact.
In which other countries does Humundi operate?
As well as Ethiopia, Humundi carries out projects in eight other countries across Europe, Africa and Latin America, promoting agriculture that feeds, regenerates and empowers rural communities.
- In Africa: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Senegal, Uganda, DRC
- In Latin America: Peru, Bolivia
- In Europe: Belgium
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Our countries
of action
We work in nine countries in Europe, Africa and Latin America to promote sustainable food systems. Working closely with local partners, we provide support tailored to each context to generate a positive impact.
